Speech #730071542

Mr. Speaker. under the general leave for extension of remarks granted Members at the close of the session. I desire to submit the following: I wish to call attention to the attitude of the State Department toward Congress in connection with the Executive order of President Hoover and the interpretation of that order by American. consuls abroad. in the granting of immigration visas. The State Department has virtually slapped Congress in the face by its attitude during the last few years. I repeat that this Executive order issued by President Hoover and the orders promulgated by the Department of State thereafter is an absolute slap in the face of Congress. We have adopted a statute which says that there shall be admitted into this country. under all the proper safeguards relative to contract labor. relative to becoming public charges. 150.000 or so immigrants every year. The conclusion. to my mind. is inescapable. when the State Department undertakes to reduce that quota by 92 percentnot by 10 percent. not by 15 percent. not by 25 percent. but by 92 percentthat they are flouting the will of Congress. Ten or 15 percent might be excusable. but 92 percent cannot be accepted with complacency.